Honoring Veterans: DelVal Alumnus Ron Morosky's Journey from Vietnam to Secret Service

This Veterans Day, Delaware Valley University reflects on the incredible contributions of veterans who bring stories of sacrifice, courage, and dedication to our communities. One such story is that of Ron Morosky ’67, a DelVal alumnus whose service spans from Quantico to Vietnam and later to the Secret Service. Through his journey, we see the spirit of resilience, hard work, and commitment that DelVal continues to support in its veteran students today.

Early Days and the Path to DelVal

Ron Morosky grew up in Horsham, Pennsylvania, near Willow Grove Air Force Base. Fascinated by the sounds of aircraft overhead and the radio calls he often heard, he found his inspiration close to home. His older brother Joe, a 1962 DelVal graduate whom Ron looked up to, was a senior at DelVal (then known as DelVal College) as Ron prepared to graduate from Hatboro-Horsham High School. With grades that needed improvement, Ron initially didn’t meet DelVal’s admission requirements. However, after a motivating conversation with Dean Donald Meyer, Ron set to work, taking evening courses to raise his grades and gain admission. He credits Dean Meyer’s encouragement with giving him the determination to succeed.

Initially drawn to studying poultry science because of his childhood experience raising pheasants, Ron’s path shifted under the mentorship of Dr. Joshua Feldstein. Feldstein recognized Ron’s work ethic and helped him navigate financial struggles that forced Ron to work night shifts at the Wonder Bread factory in town while managing his studies. Noticing Ron struggling academically, Dr. Feldstein later secured him a job on campus, which helped Ron balance his life, work, and academic responsibilities. He successfully boosted his GPA, then in December of his senior year, he received a life-changing call from his father: he had been drafted.

From DelVal to Vietnam

Drafted during the Vietnam War, Ron initially aimed to join the Air Force but ultimately found his calling as a pilot in the Marine Corps. His journey to becoming a Marine pilot was marked by perseverance. He was first sent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, and on the day he arrived, September 5, 1967, he learned that his father had passed away. Two weeks later, his mother was critically injured in an accident, but did survive. Determined to carry on, Ron advanced in training and became an officer, with his brother Joey proudly placing his officer’s bars on him.

After rigorous training in Pensacola on WWII-era aircraft, Ron became a helicopter pilot. Stationed first in North Carolina and later in Vietnam, he flew the CH-46 helicopter with the Helicopter Marine Medium (HMM) Squadron, frequently encountering intense combat. On one mission, his helicopter was struck by enemy fire and a bullet from an AK-47 struck the back of Ron’s captain’s seat, unbeknownst to him at the time—a stark reminder of the war’s dangers, which claimed several of his comrades. The experiences Ron gained during these missions, including close calls and moments of intense risk, left a profound impact on him. He completed his final deployment in Japan, returning home to his brother and mother on Christmas Eve, 1970. During his service, Ron completed over 520 missions and was awarded numerous medals, including multiple air medals. While home, he continued flying for three more years in the Marines, earning promotions to test pilot and captain, along with numerous medals.

A Life of Service Beyond the Military

When Ron returned to San Francisco, he encountered hostility, even facing people who spit at him because of his service in Vietnam. Despite this, Ron remained committed to serving his country, joining the Secret Service in 1973. As a Secret Service agent, he protected presidents including Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, and his friend Ronald Reagan, who once invited him in for coffee during a campaign stop in frigid New Hampshire.

“I was with Reagan in New Hampshire at a Ramada Inn. I was protecting the door and Reagan was out campaigning. It was -18 degrees outside and when he returned, the President invited me in for coffee. I politely declined, acknowledging that I could not leave my post. Reagan coerced me in any way and insisted I sit down for coffee. He was curious and asked me what my experience in Vietnam was like,” Ron recalled.

His time with the Secret Service, and his love for flying, eventually led him to the U.S. Customs Service in 1977, where he combined his skills as a pilot with his passion for public service. He spent the next 15 years in Homestead, Florida as a pilot in command, completing flying missions for Customs. According to Ron, many of these missions proved even more challenging than Vietnam because of the conditions (often flying at night and through storms), the threats, and the locations they would land that sometimes didn’t even have lights on the runways.

He officially retired in 1998.

Supporting Veterans at DelVal Today

Ron’s journey reflects the values of perseverance and dedication that DelVal proudly supports in its veteran students. Today, DelVal is recognized as a Military Friendly School for its commitment to helping veterans transition to civilian life through undergraduate or graduate degrees and certificate programs. The university offers veteran-specific resources, from counseling and academic support to scholarships and career guidance, and provides special assistance to veterans’ dependents using Post-9/11 benefits. DelVal is also dedicated to supporting military students who use tuition assistance.

A Legacy of Service

Ron’s life exemplifies resilience and the courage of those who have served. From DelVal to Vietnam and beyond, his story represents a lifelong commitment to service and loyalty to his roots. This Veterans Day, we extend our gratitude to all who have served and continue to make a difference—at DelVal and around the world.